Hours of Operation vs. Contracted Hours

[PolkaTots]

I have one DCF that is constantly dropping off well before and picking up well after their contracted times. They have been here only a couple of weeks now, and usually it doesn't extend past when other DCKs are here, but sometimes they are the first one here (by 45 mins) and the last one to leave (by 30 mins). I told them they need to start notifying me (as per contract) if they are running later or earlier than their contracted time. Their response was that they thought as long as I was open, they didn't need to notify me. Currently my listed hours of operation are 6:30-5:30pm, however, my crew is all currently contracted between 7:30-4:30. Often this DCK is here an hour before, and an hour after the rest of the crew :/
How is your contract worded to reinforce DCFs to stick to contracted hours?

[Blackcat31]

My handbook says:

"I do not have standard operating hours.

I work on contracted hours and provide care on week days only.

Available hours are dependent on each individual family's needs.

Care will only be available for your family during your contracted times.

If care is needed outside your contracted hours, additional fees will apply"

During the interview then I let families know that I will not contract care before 7:00 AM nor after 5:00 PM.

[SignMeUp]

For years, my contracts included pick-up/drop-off times. Parents were happy to put them on the contract but never respected them.

Then I attached $$ to the times. Bingohappyface That's what does it ::

(Except for the new family who thinks their hours are 'work hours' for their little boy. I have to get them straightened out. But I'm 99% sure they just don't understand how it works.)

[PolkaTots]

How exactly do you attach $$ to the pick up and drop off times? Like charging a late fee?

For years, my contracts included pick-up/drop-off times. Parents were happy to put them on the contract but never respected them.

Then I attached $$ to the times. Bingohappyface That's what does it ::

(Except for the new family who thinks their hours are 'work hours' for their little boy. I have to get them straightened out. But I'm 99% sure they just don't understand how it works.)

[itlw8]

If they want to extend their contract to include extended hour care past their contracted time of --- hours it will be -- per hour and it is a higher fee because it is one on one care payable even if not used AND if they do not show up for it for --- days the offer is canceled.
No extended care contract it is an early or late fee

[jenboo]

If they are contracted for 730-430 and they drop off at 630 I would charge them $10 extra ($5 per half hour of portion of). Then I would do the same thing in the evenings

[SignMeUp]

How exactly do you attach $$ to the pick up and drop off times? Like charging a late fee?

My rates are formatted like this:
$Xx per day covers 9 am - 5 pm I have infant, toddler & preschool daily rates

Before 9 am, add on $2 per half hour

For contracted early pick-up, subtract $2 per half hour (back to 4 pm only)

It is all based on contracted weekly fees. They can't pick up early once in a while and get the 'early pick-up' discount.

If they need an early start once in a while, it is twice the contracted amount ($4 per half hour).

If they want to come before anyone else is scheduled/contracted, it is an additional $5 flat fee per day, on top of the half hour add-ons.